Welcome to the humor portion of HOPE&HUMOR. I started writing a humor column as an addled adolescent in high school. (Fortunately, that snide and sarcastic writing of teen-age angst and anger is decomposing in a landfill somewhere in Michigan.) I’ve grown to be more mellow in my later writing as I’ve followed this aphorism:
Humor is a rubber sword—it allows you to make a point without drawing blood. Mary Hirsch
So, for eight years, I wrote a humor column for a teen magazine. Then 15 years, a weekly column for three papers in Indiana. Plus the last page of each Rev. magazine. (I even got a fan letter from Rick–The Purpose Driven Life–Warren.) And I actually taught a one-semester class “Writing Humor.” Yes, parents and/or students were paying serious money for a silly subject. However, there are some serious studies from universities of the physical and mental health. So, enough about me, let’s get to some comedy calisthenics:
ARTICLES
Yep, I’m Intolerant Poking at PC with my rubber sword
Top Ten Politically-Correct Holiday Songs (Coming soon)
Turkey Trivia for $1,000 (Coming soon)
BOOKS
If You’re Not Dead, You’re Not Done!
This book will add years to your life, and life to your years! You may be on the journey of being old, yet you’re still alive and being renewed day by day. That’s right! If you woke up this morning, God has something eternally important and purposeful for you to do or learn
Praise the Lord and Pass the Prozac: A Hopeful, Helpful, Humorous Devotional
Award-winning author and humorist, James N. Watkins, and licensed therapist, Faith A. Watkins, combine biblical and behavioral encouragement and practical tips for dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, and many more issues.
Dr. Tim Mills, a licensed clinical psychologist adds, “The father and daughter team of James and Faith Watkins provides very practical and instructive answers to many mental health issues that need our attention. Their use of healing humor and insight will change how you see yourself. Your walk with God and your mental health will never be the same.”
Squeezing Good Out of Bad: Top ten ways to deal with life’s lemons
Life is filled with lemons! So here are top ten ways to squeeze the good out of those life-puckering situations. I make a good guide since I’ve felt the squeeze of cancer, unemployment, family crises and chronic nose hair. Join me on the journey with hope and humor.
“A book that will make you laugh, think, and start looking at those sour places of life in a whole new way.” Martha Bolton, writer for Bob Hope, Phyllis Diller, Jeff Allen and Mark Lowery.
I had so much fun teaching “Writing Humor” at Taylor University, that I’ve compiled my notes and examples in this book.
“A milk-out-the-nose funny book for both writers and readers.”
Rhonda Rhea, best-selling humorist
“Funny, funny stuff, but also packed with practical lessons and insight. Jim openly shares comedy secrets used to achieve success in speaking, satire, and assorted silliness.” Torry Martin: actor, comic, writer for Adventures in Odyssey
MUSIC
The Eyeball Song (1 Corinthians 12) (Coming soon)
Pearly Gate Boogie (Coming soon)
Praise the Lord and Pass the Prozac music Over twenty curated songs to encourage you (Scroll to midway on page)
SOCIAL MEDIA: HOPE&HUMOR
VIDEOS
Feeling inadequate, ill-equipped, in the dark? Gideon: The World’s Strangest Battle Briefing
The Great Watkinso: Slight of Hand (And yes, I, intentionally misspelled “sleight.”)
If You’re Not Dead, You’re Not Dead! My audition for “America’s Got Talent.” (I got a call-back, but sadly I didn’t make the show.)
James Watkins for President Tupperware Party: Putting a lid on government spending
JAMESWATKINS.COM 